Non-Resident BVN (NRBVN) Explained for Nigerians in the UK

If you live in the UK and do not have a BVN, the official route is the Non-Resident BVN (NRBVN), launched by the Central Bank of Nigeria and NIBSS in 2025. You apply online, upload your ID and proof of overseas residence, complete a live selfie check and pay the fee (announced by the CBN as US$50). NIBSS says the NRBVN is issued within 72 hours of approval.

Do you actually need a new BVN?

Check this first. If you ever opened a Nigerian bank account after 2014, you very likely already have a BVN, and it is valid for life across all Nigerian banks. Contact your Nigerian bank to retrieve it rather than applying again.

The Non-Resident BVN, step by step

1. Go to the official platform. Start from the NIBSS NRBVN page so you know you are on the genuine site.
2. Register with your email and verify it through the link sent to you.
3. Upload your documents. NIBSS lists a valid ID document (such as your Nigerian passport), proof of residency status abroad, a work ID, a reference letter from a financial institution and, optionally, proof of income.
4. Complete the liveness check, a live selfie matched to your ID.
5. Pay the fee during the application.
6. Receive your NRBVN once the application is approved.

Requirements and fees are set by the CBN and NIBSS and may change. Always check the official platform before applying.

Tips for a smooth application

• Use good light and a plain background for the selfie check.
• Make sure your proof of address is recent and shows your full name.
• Use the same name spelling as your passport.
• Keep copies of everything you upload.

Prefer to do it in person? Our London centre

The NRBVN is not the only way. If you would rather not apply online, we carry out in-person BVN enrolment with biometric capture at our Dalston office, and we also handle BVN updates. We can help you with the NRBVN application too. See BVN registration in the UK.

Avoiding BVN scams

Your BVN is connected to your bank accounts, which makes it a target for fraud. Never share one-time passcodes, banking PINs or passwords. Do not pay anyone who contacts you out of the blue offering BVN services. Use the official NRBVN platform, your bank, or a business with a physical address you can visit.

BVN and NIN

Banks increasingly check both numbers. If you are sorting out your BVN, it is a good time to make sure you have a NIN too. Read NIN vs BVN: what is the difference?

NRBVN application checklist

• Valid Nigerian passport or other valid ID
• Proof of residency status abroad
• Work ID
• Reference letter from a financial institution (where requested)
• Proof of income (optional)
• Email address you check regularly
• Phone or computer with a working camera
• Card for the fee

After you get your BVN

1. Save your BVN securely.
2. Use it to open or update your Nigerian bank accounts.
3. Make sure your BVN and NIN details match to avoid restrictions.

BVN from the UK: FAQs